Deputy Sheriff B.J. Josey and Sheriff H.E. "Buddy" Glass demonstrating the new thermal image device. In an effort to give the citizens of Miller County the best protection from crime and investigative tools, the newest technology and training of the 21st century is being continually updated.

In February of 2009, the Miller County Sheriff's Department sent Deputy Sheriff B.J. Josey to the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) security conference in Washington, D.C. He received specialized training in the use of a new thermal imaging device. Since its inception in fiscal year 2005, more than $69.7 million in equipment and equipment training has been awarded through CEDAP to law enforcement agencies, fire, and other emergency responders.

After the training was completed, the Miller County Sheriff's Department received a thermal image device at no cost to the Miller County taxpayers, thanks to the grant programs of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The device costs approximately $9,000.00.

The new thermal image device uses infrared spectrum to distinguish objects by the amount of heat that they give off or lack of heat they produce.

The new thermal image device has numerous uses in search and rescue, fugitive search, vehicle pursuit, marine and ground surveillance, officer safety, location disturbed surfaces, environmental law enforcement, investigation of vehicle accident scenes, and patrol operations.

Many new uses for the device are being found each time it is used to detect people or objects and assist with investigations, rescue and law enforcement.